MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed that 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed in cartel attacks following the capture and subsequent death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
Oseguera, Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader and head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after sustaining injuries during a military operation carried out by Mexican special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, according to the defense ministry.
Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla revealed that intelligence leading to Oseguera’s capture came from a romantic partner of the cartel boss. The United States had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Following his death, waves of violence erupted across Mexico. Cartel operatives blocked highways, set vehicles ablaze, and launched retaliatory attacks. Harfuch described the incidents as “27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco,” adding that 30 cartel operatives and one bystander were also killed. Authorities have arrested at least 70 suspects across seven states.
“We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” Harfuch said during the president’s daily press conference.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Mexico to intensify its crackdown on drug cartels, writing on social media: “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”
